Victim Center Hosts Radio Shows in Jarra Soma to Popularize AUTJP and Govt White Paper

Panel on Radio Program at Jarra Soma © Askanwi

By Edward Francis Dalliah

The Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations (Victim Center) hosted two radio talk shows in Jarra Soma on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October 2025 as part of its ongoing efforts to popularize the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) and the Government’s White Paper on the TRRC recommendations.

The AUTJP, adopted in 2019, is a continental framework that guides African countries emerging from conflict or authoritarian rule on how to address legacies of human rights violations, promote peace, and build inclusive societies.

Advocate Mr Tijan Jow © Askanwi

It provides a holistic approach that integrates truth-telling, reparations, justice, reconciliation, and institutional reforms. Unlike many international models, the AUTJP emphasizes the use of African traditions, cultures, and community-based practices, such as local mediation, dialogue, and reconciliation rituals, in implementing transitional justice.

During the program, Advocate Mr Tijan Jow highlighted the importance of the policy and its potential to strengthen The Gambia’s transitional justice process. He emphasized that the policy recognizes the role of African tradition and culture in implementing transitional justice.

Citing examples, Mr. Jow pointed to Sierra Leone, which used the Fambul Tok approach to foster community reconciliation, and Rwanda, which employed the Gacaca Courts to address post-genocide justice.

Mr Kebba Jome of the Victim Center © Askanwi

Meanwhile, the Victim Center Coordinator, Mr. Kebba Jome, gave an overview of the organization’s activities and explained that since its establishment, the Center has not received any funding from the government. He noted that its activities are instead supported by international partners such as the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund, the Africa Trust Fund, and the European Union.

The talk shows form part of a project funded by the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund under the European Union and African Union Transitional Justice in Africa Initiative.

The project seeks to raise awareness of the AUTJP and the Government’s White Paper while ensuring that victims play an active role in shaping The Gambia’s transitional justice journey.